Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1887-07-01
HOW IT CAME ABOUT.

SION IN April became known IN the Valley.
the situation became even more disorderly
and perilous that it had been when both
armies were in Che field. There was dis.
position on the part of some to seize what
property they could, and in this effort per-
aonal violence was frequent. Col. M. G.
Hartman, a prominent citizen, was shot at
md narrowly escaped death at the hands
Of some men who he interrupted driving
cattle from his farm. There was no gov
eminent at Richmond. Gov. Smith had
led from the capitol and was in Rock
bridge county. 1t began to look as if
anarchy was the next thing. A few OF the
rrOminent citizens gathered together on the
evening of Sunday, April 30th, S65, at the
Virginia Hotel. Court-day was eight days
eff and it was determined to call meet
ing of the people and take what steps they
eould agree upon. Gov. Smith came from
tsock bridge to oppose 1t; he having heard
il was in contemplation. He held that the
authority of the State was still in force,
though temporarily suspended, and would
loon be exercised.
Hon. A. II. III. Stuart, who was present,
asked If he had faith enough to believe
nat the United States would ever recog-
nize him as Governor
Gov. Smith replied that he had, and that
re would be recognized.
Mr.. Stuart assured him that there was
10 posi- oility of it; that the government
yas dissolved and now there was literally
no government.
The Governor returned to Rockbridge,
and the Augusta men issued their call for
me meeting.
THE MEETING.
The preparations for the proceedings to
be had at the meeting were made with the
utmost care. On the Sunday preceding it,
Nr. Stuart was notified that be had been
Elected to prepare the address to be deliv-
ed at it. He spent an anxious night for
Is preparation, which was careful and
3 painful performance, the more SO because
ne was satisfied there would be Federal
tspies present in the meeting-as it after
ygards proved there were.
When the people assembled the next day
q the courthouse, Col. VIM. A. Bell moved
nat Hon. A. I'll. FL. Stuart be called to
she chair. which being carried, Dr.. Thos.
VI. Shelton and W. FL. II. Lynn, were
CHOSEN Secretaries.
Mr.. Stuart delivered his address on the
aauses that had brought about the meet
ing. He called attention to the fact that
size Governor and most of the principal Of
ticers of the State had left the capital and
the authorities of the Confederate States
had virtually abdicated. The armies of Lee
and Johnston had surrendered and the
PEOPLE were in the extraordinary case of
having neither a military nor civil govern
ment. Some had suggested doing nothing
as the wisesJ course, but Mr.. Stuart op-
posed that policy. He thought the best
thing was for the people of Virginia to
assemble and express in public meeting
their recognition of the fact that the at
tempted revolution had finally failed, and
Gheir readiness to recognize the authority
of the Constitution of the United States.
One thing was certain, that State il its
political capacity could not commit
treason; Virginia had rights under the
Constitution of the United States, and it
vas the duty of her people to try and have
lose rights recognized and respected. He
thought the meeting should say that so
ar as the people of Virginia were con-
Garned, the war had finally closed
that they had no purpose to renew it, and
that they were prepared to conform the
State government to the changed condi-
SION of affairs.
Mr.. Hugh W. Sheffey then moved that
The Chairman appoint a committee of
"a to report suitable resolutions. The
Chairman appointed the following gentle
snen-Hugh W. Sheffey, j. Marshall
McCue, W. M..Tate, u. S. Bell, Absolonl
Koiner. Bolivar Christian, D. S. Bell, T. J
Niche, John B. Baldwin, M. &. Hartman
FL. 6. Guthrie, Chesley Kinney, George
Baylor, and j. Givens Fulton as the COM
xaittee. OF the committee, We believe all
but the first seven gentlemen named, are
lead. The following were the resolutions
reported by them:
RESOLUTIONS.
1. Resolved, That we believe we express
s5Ae thorough conviction Of the people of
augusta county when we declare that op
0sition to the authority of the United
.l9tates within this county is at an end. and
Jaat there Is u % purpose on the part of any
OF our people to attempt any renewal of it.
ResoLued, That the people Of Augusta
3ounty recognizing the necessity of reor-
ganlzng the government of Virginia SO as
70 conform to the Constitution and laws
# the u United States, are prepared to co.
operate in good faith with the people of
other portions OF the State for that pur-
lose.
8. ResotUed That in our opinion the
BEST mode OF etfecting the object proposed
/, IS by State Convention, chosen " the
voters and organized upon the basiS0f the
House of Delegates.
A. Resolved, That a committee OF five be
appointed to go to Richmond and ascer.
ain whether The Military authorities of
5be United States will interpose any OBJ.
struction to the election, assembling, and
actlon of such convention for the pur-
pose indicated, and that the chairman of
chs meeting be the chairman of said CON-
gnittee.
5. Resolued, That this committee be
also authorized to confer with similar
committees to be appointed in other coun-
&les and TO adopt in concert such measures
% will best promote the objects herein de-
clared.
John B. Baldwin made speech on the
@esolutions. explaining their nature and
purport-a speech. the printed slip says.
2 of great power and eloquence." After he
closed, "no other person manifesting a de.